Tullamore welcomes newly-ordained priest

Bishop Michael Smith welcomed the newest priest to the Diocese of Meath last Sunday, when Fr Conor McGee was ordained in Tullamore parish. Another new priest, Rev Warren Collier, will be ordained next month.

A native of sandyford, Dublin, Fr McGee’s mother Anne was originally from Tullamore where the new priest will now spend the summer months before receiving his first appointment in the Diocese of Meath.

Among those in attendance at the ordination were Fr McGee’s sisters and their families, as well as forty priests from Meath, Dublin and elsewhere. His sisters Ursula O’Dwyer and Christine McGee presented the chalice and paten to the Bishop, while Sr Brid Geraghty and Fr Jack Finnegan vested Fr McGee in his priestly vestments during the ceremony.

Bishop Smith paid tribute to Fr McGee for his generosity and faith in following his vocation. “it takes huge courage to give your life today as a priest,” the Bishop said. “It’s a really radical statement, being willing to put serving people and the service of God at the centre of your life.”

Fr McGee began his studies for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth in 2010.

The seminary was represented at the ordination by Fr Paul Prior, Dean of Formation. The new priest thanked all who guided him along the path to priesthood. “in particular, i want to acknowledge the generosity of Bishop Michael Smith, who made this possible for me when he opened the door and accepted me as a candidate and he has supported me throughout my seminary years,” said Fr McGee.

Fr McGee celebrated his First Mass in the Church of the Assumption, Tullamore on Monday, June 20.